Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries

General information

Destination	Category
Venice, Italy	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Join this tour of the Secret Itineraries to discover every last treasure contained within the Doge’s Palace, known as the Palazzo Ducale in Italian. The interior of this magnificent construction is brimming with wealth, opulence and as many hidden corners as stories.

Located on the world-renowned Piazza San Marco, as you enter the Palazzo Ducale you feel as if you are stepping out of the present time and right into Mediaeval Europe – the privileged part of it, of course. Once inside, let the uncountable art pieces that decorate every wall and surface dumbfound you. Marvel at the wonderful ceilings frescoed by Tintoretto himself, considered by specialists the last great painter of the Italian Renaissance.

Discover also the breath-taking Hall of the Four Doors, a huge magnificent space designed by Andrea Palladio. Another equally impressive room is the Chamber of the Council of Ten, which takes its name from the Council of Ten, known also as The Ten, who governed the Republic of Venice. The ceiling in this chamber is divided into 25 compartments, each containing a singularly beautiful painting.

Last but not least, you will get the chance to cross the enticing Bridge of Sighs, just like Venetian prisoners used to do in darker ages long past. This bridge is one of the most famous icons of Venice. Then delve into the endearing attic prison where the famous intellectual and heartbreaker Giacomo Casanova was kept. Join us and live an unforgettable historical experience.

Meeting/ Pick up point: At the foot of Ponte della Paglia, the bridge with the view of the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs), just outside in front of the Doge's Palace, facing the lagoon.
Duration: 2 hours.
Start or opening time: At 9.00am on Monday, Thursday and Sunday (01.01-03.03) and on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Satuday and Sunday (04.03-31.10).
Languages: English.
Others: Our Dark Rome representatives will be wearing Dark Rome/Guideman branded blue jackets during the winter and blue polo shirts during the summer – they will be easily recognisable at the meeting point. We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or mobility impairments on our tours. We are also unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers.